The National Football League has formally asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to take down a video that features Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins, which the agency used to illustrate its readiness for border protection.
The video, circulated by Homeland Security in a public‑facing campaign, incorporated footage of Dawkins—who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 after a 16‑year career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos—to convey a message of vigilance and preparedness along the nation’s borders.
According to a statement released by the NFL, the league believes the use of a former player’s image in a political or law‑enforcement context was made without proper authorization and could be misconstrued as an endorsement of the agency’s policies. The league therefore requested that the Department remove the material from all platforms.
Brian Dawkins, a two‑time All‑Pro and Super Bowl champion, retired from professional football in 2011 and has since been involved in community and charitable work. The NFL has previously partnered with government agencies on public‑safety initiatives, but those collaborations have typically involved explicit agreements and clear branding.
The request comes amid ongoing scrutiny of how sports organizations engage with political and security issues. Homeland Security has not yet commented publicly on the NFL’s demand, and it is unclear whether the video will be withdrawn pending further discussion.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
